Police chief slams PA incitement

Insp.-Gen. Cohen warns of "unnecessary escalation" in the capital.

Police Insp.-Gen. David Cohen warned on Sunday evening that incitement to violence by Palestinian elements could inflame an already tense situation in the capital.

Responding to repeated allegations by Palestinian organizations and the Palestinian Authority that the Al-Aqsa Mosque was "in jeopardy," including a call by a senior Fatah official for Arabs to "defend" the mosque, Cohen held a special evaluation meeting with senior police brass, attended by Jerusalem Police Chief Cmdr. Aharon Franco on Sunday.

"Extreme statements and incitement do not match the reality on the ground. I expect all sides at this time to be responsible and to tone down their statements," Cohen said at the end of the meeting.

The police chief said he was concerned that the incitement to violence could lead to an "unnecessary escalation" in the capital.

Cohen said the police was "deployed with increased forces around
Jerusalem, due to continuous intelligence and joint evaluation meetings
with other domestic security elements," adding that police were ready
to deal with "every potential incident and scenario."

He expressed trust in police commanders and officers "who have been
instructed to show tolerance and patience when needed, and
determination against those who riot and disturb the peace."

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